GUANGZHOU, China - EHang, an urban air mobility (UAM) technology company based in Guangzhou, China, that its certified EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicles completed debut commercial flight demonstrations in Guangzhou and Hefei. These advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, equipped with Standard Airworthiness Certificates from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), showcased their capabilities in aerial sightseeing at local scenic spots.
As part of the validation process, the EH216-S underwent laboratory, ground, and flight tests at professional aviation laboratories and test sites across multiple locations in China. These tests included main material performance, structural strength, flame resistance, crashworthiness, gas toxicity, equipment and systems environmental conditions, software simulation, data links, ground control stations, overall system functionality, electromagnetic compatibility, flight performance, and flight stability characteristics.
The validation process scrutinized components, equipment, and the entire aircraft for prefabricated defects, faults, and interferences during both laboratory experiments and flight trials. With that, the safety, airworthiness, performance, functionality, usability, and reliability of the EH216-S have been validated through over 500 specific test items, more than 40,000 test flights for adjustments, and formal conformity validation tests encompassing 65 major categories and over 450 individual test items.
The launch events held at Jiulong Lake Park in Guangzhou and Luogang Central Park in Hefei marked what EHangs says is the beginning of EH216-S commercial flight demonstrations. Government officials were present at the events, including representatives from Guangdong Provincial Committee, Guangzhou Municipal Committee, and CAAC. The EH216-S, the world's first passenger-carrying unmanned aerial vehicle system with a standard airworthiness certificate, has been delivered to ETON, an intelligent aviation technology subsidiary. It is currently deployed at the Jiulong Lake operational site, with plans for additional operation sites and flight routes in Huangpu district.
In Hefei, Luogang Central Park is designated as an eVTOL aircraft operation site for its Full-Space Unmanned System Integrated Application Demonstration Project. The park, transformed from the former Hefei Luogang International Airport, is a vast urban central park attracting 300,000 daily visitors.
The strategic partnership between EHang and the Hefei Municipal Government includes plans to purchase at least 100 units of EH216 series pilotless aerial vehicles, with potential financing support of up to $100 million. This collaboration aligns with the Hefei government's Action Plan for Low-Altitude Economic Development (2023-2025).
